Curtiss
P-40E in Detail

The Curtiss P-40 is one of the best-known American fighters of World War
II. Despite it's fame, it was not one of the period's best performers, outclassed in
virtually every way by other fighters of its time.

Therefore, as more advanced aircraft became available to the Allies, the
plane was relegated to ground support and other less vulnerable roles.

The full review of P-40 production variants and history can be found in
the accompanying article Modeller's Guide to Curtiss P-40
Variants published in this issue, so there's no need to repeat it here. Instead, I'll
rather add some words about P-40s servicing with Royal New Zealand Air Force, one of which
is a subject of this photographic essay.

P-40 in New Zealand

In total, the RNZAF operated 297 Curtiss P-40s of various models
(K,L,M,N)
between 1942 and 1946. The aircraft were assigned to Nos. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20
Fighter Squadrons, and No. 2 and 4 Fighter Operational Training Units. No. 14 through 19
Squadrons flew the Curtiss fighters in the Pacific, carrying out offensive and defensive
fighter operations, bomber escort, and dive-bombing duties. Combat record of these
units includes 99 confirmed and 14 probable 'kills' of Japanese aircraft in the air. A
total of twenty P-40s were lost in combat, and a further 152 in accidents.

From 1944, the P-40 began to be replaced in front line duties by Vought
F4U-1 Corsair . The remainder were sold for scrap in 1948.

As many as six ex-RNZAF P-40s survive until this day. One of them, NZ3009
is a subject of this walkaround.

The NZ3009 is a P-40E-1 and carried the manufacturer's serial number
19669, USAF serial 41-25158 and RAF serial ET 482. After the war it was first
displayed at Museum Of Transport And Technology in Western Springs, Auckland. Recently it
has been restored to flying condition, coming back to air in 1998.

Curtiss P-40E-1 in Detail

This is how NZ3009 looks today. This photograph
was taken at its second public appearance in Ohakea, New Zealand.It is the only airworthy
ex-RNZAF P-40E.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

An interesting view of the same aircraft years ago
at the Museum Of Transport And Technology. The entire nose up to the cockpit firewall is
removed, together with wing undercarriage fairings. What's left is a good view of the
wing-to-fuselage attachment and wing incidence angle.

Of note is also wheel hub detail (most aircraft is
service carried circular covers hiding the spokes) and overall arrangement of the
undercarriage struts and actuators, exposed here.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

Tail surfaces. This shot has been taken in January
1998 before final painting was done to the otherwise completely restored aircraft.

Not the best of exposures, but this photo
shows the distinctive curvature of fighter's massive spinner to advantage.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

Head-on view of the massive chin intake shows
three separate channels leading to separate circular coolers. Note the two vents in the
upper corners of the intake.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

Engine cooling flaps fully open, seen from the
rear. Note the flap actuators.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

A glimpse into the cockpit. As this is a flyable
warbird, the cockpit features a number of modern additions like extra instrument panels
and seat cushioning.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

This instrument panel has been augmented with
loads of modern equipment visible below the main panel.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

Pilot's seat and headrest. As mentioned before,
the seat padding and harness are of modern standard, but the seat itself appears to be
original.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

Looking
forward into the fuselage from the inspection hatch on the port side behind the cockpit.
This photo is of another aircraft, a P-40M no. NZ31119 under restoration in New Zealand.

Note that the pilot's seat is missing.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

A glimpse from behind into the port wheel
well shows the inner surface of undercarriage cover (visible to the left), main
undercarriage leg mount and retracting mechanism - quite complex for it's time.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

There were actually two undercarriage covers, the
inner one serving the leg support strut shown here.

Of note is also the smoothly faired-in
"knuckle" on the wing's leading edge.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

Front view of the starboard
main undercarriage of another P-40E, NZ3039 displayed in Museum of Transport and
Technology.

Photo: Phillip Treweek

Taking off!

Photo: Phillip Treweek

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